Varicose vein stripping: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency medical help for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, or severe difficulty breathing.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your surgical team promptly if pain or swelling is worsening rather than settling, a wound becomes increasingly red or drains pus, or you develop a fever.

   Also seek prompt advice for new one-sided calf swelling, persistent numbness or weakness, or bleeding that does not stop after firm pressure.

   These can be signs of a clot in the lungs or another urgent problem.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Bruising, mild tenderness, small firm areas, and limited numbness are usually part of routine recovery.

   Mention them at follow-up if they are not improving or if you are concerned.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Varicose vein stripping. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.